Licensing call as tow-truck rows return

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 1

Licensing call as tow-truck rows return

By

PETER COMER

Tow-truck tussles seem to be starting again in Christchurch—after a few years of comparative calm.

Some Christchurch tow-truck firms are worried about the intrusion of “fly-by-nighters” into the vehicle salvage business. In Auckland, fights over towing contracts have been reported; but established firms in Christchurch have maintained a truce for several years. Many say now that moves should be made to license tow-trucks and towtruck operators. Competition for salvage contracts—already fierce — is reaching the ridiculous stage as increasing numbers of small-time operators take on the job, often as a sideline. Up to 10 breakdown trucks are arriving at motor accidents in the city, causing problems for the police and other emergency services.

Injured accident victims have been badgered for permission to tow their damaged vehicles away. In one case, a car belonging to a seriously injured couple was hooked up—at separate ends—to tow-trucks of rival firms. At another accident outside Christchurch, a man trapped behind the wheel of his wrecked car was asked by a tow-truck operator to sign a contract form.

The injured man died minutes after writing his Signature.

One operator who believes controls should be placed op the salvage business is Kevin Ireland, a towing contractor with Steels-5.1.M.U., Ltd. “Some people are painting up old heaps, sticking a jib on the back, and heading off to accidents,” he said.

“They have got no tact. I have seen some drivers annoying injured people on the side of the road, and

even jumping in the back of ambulances.” A licensing system would stop “riff-raff” coming into the industry, according to Mr Brian Gorrie, ownermanager of Parks, one of the biggest salvage and breakdown firms in New Zealand. People were buying old trucks for $5OO or $6OO and getting work at the usual rate, he said. “That doesn’t bother us, but some form of control would certainly improve the service to the public, and stop some complaints.” He cites the system in Australia — where drivers must hold licences, and trucks carry certificates — as an ideal scheme for New Zealand.

Attempts by the bigger companies to have controls placed on the industry a few years ago had been ignored by'the Government, said Mr Gorrie.

Most established salvage firms offer a 24-hour service. Their drivers are on call for that time, sleeping and eating when they can, and often working 12 or 15 hours at a stretch during peak periods. Many of the newcomers work at other jpbs during the day, then cruise the streets for a few hours at night, waiting for accidents to happen.

Most salvage trucks are equipped with a Citizens Band radio — used to monitor the Ministry of Transport and police frequencies.

At week-ends or other busy times, each accident or towaway call from the police or M.O.T. brings up to seven or eight trucks rushing to the scene. A few years ago, overeager drivers occasionally settled their arguments on the spot, with fists. Now, operators say, there is usually little animosity between competing firms.

Five of the biggest and oldest salvage companies are listed on a roster supervised by the police.

The roster is used at accidents involving serious or fatal injury, or when victims cannot decide which firm they want. The police quickly remove breakdown trucks if they are cluttering up a roadway or hampering emergency services, according to a police spokesman.

“When that happens, they are obstructing the police,” he said. “They can either move on, or take the risk of being locked up.” Ambulancemen in Christchurch have made only a few complaints about the behaviour of tow-truck operators at accidents, according to the station officer at Christchurch St John Ambulance Association headquarters (Mr G. F. Whittaker).

“They have their job to do, and I don’t think they get in the way or bother patients deliberately,” he said.

“A few overdo it, but these are usually new boys who are put right smartly by their colleagues. “We certainly never have any problems with the older, established firms.”